What do you think?
Rate this book
King Maker
Faced with ruling families on the brink of war and a people who despise him for his deformity, Riddin Khad, the last prince of Mordkin, must fight to maintain peace in his city with the only tool his Dwarven brethren respect. Violence.
Riddin Khad wasn’t meant to survive childbirth.
Born with a deformity in a Dwarven society that only values strength and power, Riddin must rely upon his intelligence to make up for his lack of both, but no matter how hard he tries to be a good prince to his people, he has earned nothing but their disdain.
Now, amidst Mordkin’s three ruling families, a fourth name one that threatens the tenuous peace that has held for two hundred years. Riddin will use his name, his intellect, and the promise of his inheritance to try uniting the very people who despise him before war floods the streets of his city with fire and blood.
It will not be enough.
If Riddin Khad wants the power to save his city, he will have to take it.
Riddin Khad wasn’t meant to survive childbirth.
Born with a deformity in a Dwarven society that only values strength and power, Riddin must rely upon his intelligence to make up for his lack of both, but no matter how hard he tries to be a good prince to his people, he has earned nothing but their disdain.
Now, amidst Mordkin’s three ruling families, a fourth name one that threatens the tenuous peace that has held for two hundred years. Riddin will use his name, his intellect, and the promise of his inheritance to try uniting the very people who despise him before war floods the streets of his city with fire and blood.
It will not be enough.
If Riddin Khad wants the power to save his city, he will have to take it.
138 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 19, 2025
1 person is currently reading
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 17, 2025
"War has given me an heir worthy of my throne. War is a king maker!"
How can a krevtish like Riddin possibly leave his mark on a world that pays him no second thought? This story explores the themes of rejection, familial estrangement, friendship, and ascension, in a world teaming with thoughtful imagery.
The authors note leads with the world of Mordkin having been inspired by the vast city of Erebor, the kingdom under the mountain, which gives a strong underlying foundation that is continually built upon throughout the story. From the strong fortress of Khad Rock, the teaming star-ceilinged cross-roads of Tri-Street, or the billowing lake of sand and magma that are the plains of Mordkin, Holtey painted a world that was distinct and easy to imagine while following Riddin's journey.
The evolution of Riddin's mentality and aspirations for peace directly correlate with the evolution of his inventions meant to bring peace, being used as a strength for war. Peacemaker coming into form as Kingmaker at the end of the book is a testament to how he views himself and his place in the world - in his journey to find peace for his people (and himself), he inevitably needed to steal the power to make peace from those around him.
Definitely enjoyed this read - was easy to digest in a single sitting. All the characters were distinct and easy to differentiate through their actions and dialogue. Highly recommend and appreciate the insight into the authors process with both the foreword/afterword and additional first draft of the story at the end.
How can a krevtish like Riddin possibly leave his mark on a world that pays him no second thought? This story explores the themes of rejection, familial estrangement, friendship, and ascension, in a world teaming with thoughtful imagery.
The authors note leads with the world of Mordkin having been inspired by the vast city of Erebor, the kingdom under the mountain, which gives a strong underlying foundation that is continually built upon throughout the story. From the strong fortress of Khad Rock, the teaming star-ceilinged cross-roads of Tri-Street, or the billowing lake of sand and magma that are the plains of Mordkin, Holtey painted a world that was distinct and easy to imagine while following Riddin's journey.
The evolution of Riddin's mentality and aspirations for peace directly correlate with the evolution of his inventions meant to bring peace, being used as a strength for war. Peacemaker coming into form as Kingmaker at the end of the book is a testament to how he views himself and his place in the world - in his journey to find peace for his people (and himself), he inevitably needed to steal the power to make peace from those around him.
Definitely enjoyed this read - was easy to digest in a single sitting. All the characters were distinct and easy to differentiate through their actions and dialogue. Highly recommend and appreciate the insight into the authors process with both the foreword/afterword and additional first draft of the story at the end.
September 22, 2025
What is it like going against everything you're born to be? Following Riddin through the most intense few hours of his life had me at the edge of my chair. While on the shorter end, it perfectly captures the deep personalities of the characters and the world they inhabit that we're allowed to glimpse for a few moments.
Do I wish it was longer? Yes.
Do I think the ending was perfect? Also yes.
Seeing how it all started in the first draft and how it ended with the final story was amazing to experience, and really showed just how drastic things can change as you understand the characters better. Safe to say, I very much enjoyed how Riddin and his closest ones changed into the dwarves they are now.
Do I wish it was longer? Yes.
Do I think the ending was perfect? Also yes.
Seeing how it all started in the first draft and how it ended with the final story was amazing to experience, and really showed just how drastic things can change as you understand the characters better. Safe to say, I very much enjoyed how Riddin and his closest ones changed into the dwarves they are now.
December 26, 2025
A charming novella that tackles a familiar yet unique take on Dwarves. Our protagonist is Riddin Khad, a disabled dwarf who constantly runs into conflict with the overly limited mindsets of his countrymen in the heavily sectarian Dwarven society of Mordkin. The action comes fast and never slows down as Riddin is thrown from one side of Mordkin to the other as each encounter after the other escalates the stakes. In many ways I am reminded of the Lebanese Civil War with the mafia-boss like nature of the dwarf families and the deeply sectarian nature of the conflict within the story.
I only wish this book was longer with how much I enjoyed it.
I only wish this book was longer with how much I enjoyed it.
August 22, 2025
This is a short novel about a dwarf looking for peace is a naturally violent world.
The book was easy to read in one sitting. The characters are likeable (or aggravating in some cases) and memorable. The world is not necessarily unique but fits the story and feels natural.
The author included his 1st draft of the story at the end of the book which was very cool to read. It was wild to see where the story started after reading the finished product.
The book was easy to read in one sitting. The characters are likeable (or aggravating in some cases) and memorable. The world is not necessarily unique but fits the story and feels natural.
The author included his 1st draft of the story at the end of the book which was very cool to read. It was wild to see where the story started after reading the finished product.
February 3, 2026
Short and sweet Dwarven fantasy about a disabled Prince who gets caught up in a political uprising. Fun magic system (mined ore and crystals have special properties). Cool weapons and side characters. I wish it was longer, but overall I was satisfied with how it ended.
Read
October 16, 2025LOVE it! I need to know everything about Azeik and what happens next!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews